Home Care Workers Urge Fresno and Contra Costa Counties to Follow Suit
In the wake of a federal judge's ruling to enjoin state cuts to home care pay, Yolo County officials rescinded their request to cut home care wages. Now, SEIU-UHW members in other affected counties are urging local officials to stop their planned pay cuts as well.
This past Thursday a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the state from cutting home care wages. To comply with that ruling, Yolo County informed SEIU-UHW that it will maintain home care wages at the current $10.50 an hour.
Yolo County had planned to cut the wages of 1,200 in-home support services workers by $1 per hour after the state announced it would pay less of its share in February. Citing a violation of contract, SEIU filed a grievance against the county on June 23 and a lawsuit against Gov. Schwarzenegger and other parties to stop the cuts.
"This is exactly what we wanted and expected to hear. Now, Fresno, Contra Costa and Calaveras counties should follow Yolo County's lead and comply with the Federal Court ruling," said Deliliah Jordan, a Yolo County home care provider and SEIU-UHW member.
CONTACT: Nathan Selzer, 510-502-2457 (cell)